Filesystem directory debug log

Abstract

A system for handling debug log messages in a computerized device under test that has a filesystem and a communications link. A virtual debug folder provides one or more virtual folders wherein the debug log messages are stored as synthesized filenames. The virtual folders are then viewable via the communications link as if actual folders of the filesystem and the synthesized filenames are viewable via the communications link as if actual filenames of the filesystem.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates generally to error detection / correction and fault detection / recovery in computerized systems, and more particularly to means or steps for recording output from the system under test or diagnosis.BACKGROUND ART[0002]Dedicated debugging interfaces are widely used to log status and error messages from a running computerized system. Unfortunately, these interfaces often require specialized hardware that is expensive and difficult to use. Sometimes the debugging interface, such as the Joint Test Action Group (JTAG) interface, for example, may require its own dedicated hardware bus which has to be physically exposed outside of the system being tested or debugged. This is frequently awkward and, especially on production systems, these specialized interfaces may not be made accessible because of cost, mechanical, or security considerations.[0003]One common solution to this problem is to log messages using another general-purpose communicati...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This approach provides a less invasive and more real-time mechanism for logging debugging messages, minimizing impact on the system under test and allowing external access without interfering with its operation, while preserving message order and timing information.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, these interfaces often require specialized hardware that is expensive and difficult to use.

This is frequently awkward and, especially on production systems, these specialized interfaces may not be made accessible because of cost, mechanical, or security considerations.

One disadvantage of this, however, is that the debugging messages may interfere with the normal purpose of the bus or storage device, especially if those mechanisms are also under test.

If the file system is the module which is being tested, this might then interfere with reproduction of defects or change performance metrics.

It might also be difficult to access the logged messages while the bus or storage device is under test.

Instead, the messages may have to be read out after testing has been completed, thus losing any real-time logging capability.

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